Microsoft's Windows Control Panel might not get the axe after all — 38-year-old feature could live on as wording about deprecation is removed

Windows Control Panel and Settings app side-by-side
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Microsoft’s support page titled ‘System configuration tools in Windows’ recently said that the Control Panel is in the process of being deprecated in favor of the Settings app. However, after a modicum of online backlash, it seems that Microsoft has backtracked on its words, as the document has since been updated.

The original statement under the Control Panel section said, “The Control Panel is in the process of being deprecated in favor of the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience.” This was what it said on the support page as late as 9 pm on August 23, 2024. But just a few hours later, at around 1 am on August 24, 2024, this sentence was updated to, “Many of the settings in Control Panel are in the process of being migrated to the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience.”

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The Settings app was first introduced in 2012 with Windows 8, and ever since then, there has been talk among enthusiasts about the Control Panel eventually being replaced by this newer app. However, it’s been 12 years since its supposed replacement came out and the Control Panel still remains accessible. Microsoft actually has never stated when or whether it will remove the Control Panel until the release of the above support document (pictured left). After news outlets picked up the story about this move, it seems that the company relented and changed the wording of the document rather sharply.

But even if Microsoft keeps the Control Panel around, for those who prefer the currently more granular control of the operating system it provides, the company is continuously adding more features to the Settings app to pull focus away from the old way of changing settings. For example, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686 now lets you change your laptop’s power settings depending on whether it’s plugged in or on battery. You could only previously do this by digging in the menus via the Power Options app in the Control Panel. But this update will make it more easily accessible to anyone in the Settings menu.

More people are comfortable with using the Settings app to tweak their computers, especially as younger generations began with a smartphone as their first 'computer,' making them used to the simpler interface of these handheld devices. Thus, it makes sense for Microsoft to migrate system settings under a single Settings app. instead of the multiple different apps in the Control Panel. Nevertheless, many power users still prefer the Control Panel, as it offers much more granular control over the entire system. So, until Microsoft ensures that the Settings app is as powerful as the Control Panel, enthusiasts will be upset if it deprecates the former in favor of the latter.

Jowi Morales
Contributing Writer

Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He’s been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he’s been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics.

TOPICS
  • Air2004
    Microsoft should just allow for more user customization of the OS and make the contol panel a container folder, allowing users to place quick access to whatever it is they'd like there.
    What I mean is, make it like a PC version of Nova Launcher.
    Reply
  • JamesJones44
    Air2004 said:
    Microsoft should just allow for more user customization of the OS and make the contol panel a container folder, allowing users to place quick access to whatever it is they'd like there.
    What I mean is, make it like a PC version of Nova Launcher.
    Exactly. Some Linux distros have the system settings visible just via a base system/file browser. The nice part is when searching for something it works just like trying to find any other file on the file system. That would allow MS keep the "Settings" app/section simple for basic users while letting advanced users have an easy to navigate structure.
    Reply
  • drtweak
    Biggest issue I have with settings in Windows 11 (I actually don't mine 10) is 1) Gettings to the damn main printer settings. W10 its still there, not in 11. Need the niddy gritty of that as a IT tech. I haven't dealt with 11 that much yet though to find all the shortcut. 2) Network settings. Still a pain to get to the old school settings through the settings.

    Control Panel was perfect. I understand some things like Users and other Microsoft account things and the security center those are all fine, but some stuff needs to stay.
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    Someone tried format a pendrive on windows 11?
    The 4gb pendrive I have tried goes to fat32 gpt microsoft as fu... another thing in windows
    Reply
  • hotaru251

    However, after a modicum of online backlash, it seems that Microsoft has backtracked on its words, as the document has since been updated.

    i wonder why....
    Settings is awful for anyone who has spent time w/ Windows over past 30+ yrs.

    Even ignoring fact that many CP options dont exist in settings people do not want to relearn stuff they already know.
    Reply
  • ekio
    This OS is disgusting.
    Between the spaghetti code base that can’t allow an update without breaking many thing, the atrocious UIs windows from obsolete versions everywhere, the horrible design choices that were bad 40 years ago and even more today, the duplicated features where new ones don’t replace the old one… this stuff needs to be erased and redone from scratch.
    It’s a prime example of a technology that turned bad.
    Reply
  • excalibur1814
    As above... printers. It's an absolute pain in the rear and even the older method wasn't fantastic for business users wanting to add printer x/y.
    Reply
  • evdjj3j
    I had to use the Control Panel last night to change some sound settings.
    Reply
  • dimar
    Control Panel works fine and everyone knows how to use it. Settings needs to go away.
    Reply
  • WDPowell
    Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers

    Pasting the above address, while in Control Panel, should take you to Devices and Printers.

    It has worked for me in the past.

    That gets you to the old style Devices and Printers screen, even in Windows 11.

    Getting that address was a pain in the rear since Windows 11 Settings UI is god awful.

    Settings -> Bluetooth and Devices -> click the "View more devices" hyperlink -> Scroll down and locate "More devices and printer settings" under the "Related settings" heading.

    I'm mainly posting this as a reminder for myself, maybe someone else will find it useful.

    I work H*ll Desk, so knowing tricks like this is beneficial to my job.
    Reply